Pope

The late pope’s passing was announced earlier on Monday morning with bells tolling in Catholic churches from Latin America to Asia and across Rome as the news spread around the world.

“Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta,” the Vatican said in a statement posted on X.

On Saturday afternoon Pope Francis went to the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to pray.

According to a 900-year-old book in the Vatican, ‘Judgement Day’ may be upon us soon, and Pope Francis might be the last leader of the Church.

The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalised since 14 February with pneumonia in both lungs. Doctors say his condition remains complex.

The pontiff’s condition remains stable and he has no fever. Sunday’s Angelus Prayer has been broadcast and but it was not read by him.

At the entrance of the Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Catholic faithful and well-wishers lit candles, placed cards, drawings, and balloons, and stood in solidarity.

The 88-year-old was well enough to meet senior Vatican colleagues in hospital despite still being in critical condition with double pneumonia.

The Vatican said in a statement on Saturday, that Pope Francis would not lead Sunday prayers again this weekend, the second week in a row he has to cancel his personal appearance.

In a statement, the Vatican said the pontiff’s haemodynamic parameters are stable and that he is able to breathe independently.